The Directorate of Education has officially announced the end of Saturday holidays in federally managed educational institutions. A notification issued in this regard outlines the reasons for this significant change, which is set to take effect immediately.
According to the notification, the decision was made to address the disruption in academic activities caused by prolonged closures of educational institutions in recent months. Starting from November 30, Saturday will now be treated as a regular working day for all federally managed schools and colleges. This policy will remain in effect until February 1, 2025, after which further decisions will be communicated based on the situation at that time.
Reasons for the Change
The notification highlights the primary motivation behind this policy shift: ensuring that students can recover the academic ground lost due to earlier closures. Over the past months, various unforeseen circumstances, including public holidays and disruptions, have led to reduced teaching days in schools. These interruptions have adversely affected students' education, particularly those preparing for board examinations or other critical assessments.
By converting Saturdays into regular school days, the Directorate of Education aims to provide additional instructional time, enabling teachers to cover pending coursework and conduct revisions. The decision underscores the importance of prioritizing education and mitigating learning gaps caused by limited classroom interactions.
Impact on Students and Teachers
This policy change is expected to have a notable impact on both students and educators:
- Students:
For students, particularly those in higher grades, the extended academic schedule offers an opportunity to catch up on missed lessons and strengthen their understanding of core subjects. It is particularly beneficial for students preparing for board exams or other competitive tests, as they will now have more time for teacher-led instruction and guidance. - Teachers:
Teachers, while facing a more demanding schedule, will have greater flexibility to cover the syllabus and conduct remedial sessions for students who have fallen behind. However, the decision may require adjustments in lesson planning and resource allocation to maximize the effectiveness of the additional teaching days.
Implementation Timeline
The new policy is set to begin from November 30, 2024, and will remain in place until February 1, 2025. During this period, federally managed schools and colleges will observe a six-day working week, with Saturday included as a full working day.
The Directorate of Education will monitor the implementation and impact of this policy to assess whether it effectively addresses the academic disruptions. Based on the outcomes, further decisions regarding school schedules may be considered.